Press Releases
Friday, February 12, 2021
Highmark Inc. supports future frontline caregiver at Carlow University
- Freshman nursing student receives $5,000 grant
PITTSBURGH (February 12, 2021) — Highmark Inc. is showing its support for future generations of frontline healthcare professionals through a $5,000 grant to Carlow University.
The grant will benefit current Carlow freshman Alexandra Slider, of Meadville, Pa., who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Slider accepted the grant from Highmark President Deborah Rice-Johnson during a virtual presentation Friday morning.
“Amid all this change during the COVID-19 crisis, this much is clear: Frontline healthcare workers are, and will remain, the heart of our healthcare system,” shared Rice-Johnson. “We have always held our healthcare providers in the highest regard. Our mission at Highmark is to create a remarkable health experience, freeing people to be their best. We can only achieve that mission with remarkable frontline healthcare workers.”
Dr. Suzanne Mellon, president of Carlow University, also attended the virtual presentation on Friday to thank Highmark for its long-term partnership and support for frontline caregivers. "Alexandra Slider's dedication and compassion for others has led her to pursue a career in nursing. It is gratifying to see Highmark recognize her hard work and achievement with this grant,” reflected Dr. Mellon. “I want to thank Deborah Rice-Johnson and Highmark for remembering the needs of our future frontline healthcare workers at this critical time in our nation's history.”
The grant to Carlow University is the second in a series of Frontline Worker Grants to support current college students pursuing careers in healthcare. In December, Highmark Inc. and Allegheny Health Network announced a grant for the Grove City College Johnson School of Nursing to support incoming nursing students in the fall of 2021. Highmark plans to extend the program to additional colleges and universities around Pennsylvania in the coming months.
About Highmark Inc.
One of America's leading health insurance organizations and an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Highmark Inc. (the Health Plan) and its affiliated health plans (collectively, the Health Plans) work passionately to deliver high-quality, accessible, understandable, and affordable experiences, outcomes, and solutions to customers. As the fourth-largest overall Blue Cross Blue Shield-affiliated organization, Highmark Inc. and its Blue-branded affiliates proudly cover the insurance needs of more than 5.6 million members in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia. Its diversified businesses serve group customer and individual needs across the United States through dental insurance and other related businesses. For more information, visit www.highmark.com.
About Carlow University
Carlow is a private, co-educational, Catholic university located in the heart of Pittsburgh’s “Eds, Meds, and Tech” district. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1929, Carlow’s curricula and partnerships reflect its strong commitment to social justice; ethical, forward-thinking and responsible leadership; and service to the community that has a meaningful impact. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered in two colleges: The College of Health and Wellness and the College of Arts and Sciences. The College of Health and Wellness includes the departments of Nursing, Respiratory Care, Healthcare Data Analytics, Health Management, and graduate degrees in Speech-Language Pathology and the Physician Assistant programs. Graduate programs in Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy will soon be added.
Carlow University also believes in the education and growth of students both inside and outside the classroom, where they can join student government, clubs, and academic honorary societies where they can develop skills in judgment, leadership, analysis, decision-making, and communication. For student-athletes, Carlow’s 14 athletic teams are known as the Celtics, a reflection of the university’s Irish heritage and roots.
For more information, contact
Emily Beatty
Highmark Health
emily.beatty@highmarkhealth.org
Drew Wilson
Carlow University
agwilson@carlow.edu
